Propelling device for swimmers



Dec. 11, 1923. 1,476,844

E. F. RODMAN PROPELLING DEVICE FOR SWIMMERS Filed July 16 INVFINTOR ATTORNEY Patented Dec. 11, 1923.

EDWARD r. nomvrnn, or naivsasorrv, irrssounr.

PROPELLING DEVICE FOR SWIIVIMEBS.

Application filed July 16, 1923. SerialNo. 651,812.

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, EDWARD F. RonirAN, a citizen of the United States, residing at Kansas City, in the county of Jackson and State of Missouri, have invented a new and useful Propelling Device for Swimmers, of which the following is a specification.

My invention relates to propelling devices for swimmers, and the object of the invention is to provide a cheap, durable, and efficient manually operable propelling device which may be used by swimmers to propel themselves through the water, and having facility for floating on the water in the event the swimmer loses control of the device.

I attain these objects and other advantages by means of the mechanism illus- ,rated in the accompanying drawing in which Figure 1, is a plan view of the upper side of a propelling device constructed in accordance with my invention; Figure 2, is a side view of the same, partly sectioned, to show the driving mechanism and, Figure 3, is a top plan view of the head end of the housing member.

Similar numerals of reference refer to corresponding parts throughout the several views. 1

Referring to the drawingsthe numeral 1, designates a tubular housing member having a head portion 2, in which is a journal bearing 3. The housing member has a journal bearing 4, intermediate of its length and a like bearing 5, at the lower end thereof. Mounted on the upper side of the head portion 2, are oppositely disposed frames or supports 6, having at their upper ends journal bearings 7. A breast plate portion 8, is associated with the head portion 2, and is fashioned to form a neck yoke terminating in shoulder braces 9. In the housing member and journaled in the bearings 8, 4t and 5. is revolubly mounted a drive haft 10, projected a little distance outwardly of the lower end of the housing, and on the projecting end of the drive shaft is mounted a propeller 11. In the bearings 7, is revolubly mounted a. shaft 12, on which shaft is rigidly mounted a worm wheel 13. The sides of the worm wheel are expanded to Form a convexed hollow and air tightbody 14. The worm wheel is mounted so that it will penetrate the housing through a slot 15, in the head portion of the housing and engage a worm 16, on the drive shaft. On the ends of the shaft 12, are mounted cranks 17,

- adapted for being taken in the hand to turn extended through holes 21, in the wall of the housing member.

To operate the device the swimmer places the device upon the front side of the body, the plate portion 8, resting on the chest of the operator, the shoulder braces 9, being hooked over his shoulders, and the feet of the operator being placed against the foot rest 18. The operator then assumes a swimming position either on his back or otherwise and turns the worm wheel 13, by the cranks 17, thus driving the propeller and forcing himself through the water. The peculiar formation of the worm wheel provides an air tight hollow body sufficient to buoy the machine and, therefore, should the swimmer lose the machine, it might be recovered. The machine provides amusement and healthful exercise for the swimmers at ocean beaches and other swimming resorts. It may also be used as a life preserver and carried by vessels for that purpose.

Having described my invention what I claim is 1. A propelling device for swimmers, comprising an elongated housing member, a shaft revolubly mounted in said housing member and having within the housing a worm gear and without the housing a propeller, a worm wheel revolubly mounted on said housing member and engaging the worm gear on said shaft, means associated with the shaft of said worm wheel adapted for driving the latter, a foot rest slidably and adjustably arranged on said housing member, and shoulder braces associated with said housing member, said shoulder braces together with said foot rest providing means for holding the device on the body of the operator.

2. A. propelling device for swimmers, comprising an elongated housing member, a shaft revolubly mounted in said housing member and having within the housing a worm gear and without the housing a propeller, aworm wheel revolubly mounted on said housing member and engaging the Worm gear on said shaft said Worm wheel said shoulder braces together with said foot having its sides expanded to form thereof rest providing means for holding the device 10 an air tight body to buoy the device, means on the body of the operator.

associated with the shaft of said Worm Kansas City, Mo., July 11, 1923.

5 wheel adapted'for drivingvthe latter, a foot EDXVARD F. RODMAN.

rest member slidably and adjustably ar- Witnesses: ranged on said housing member,and shoulder JOHN C. STEARNS,

braces associated with said housing member, V. L. MoSrADnnN. 

